Full cheeks are a hallmark of a youthful facial appearance. Unfortunately, that youthful fullness quickly deflates, creating wrinkles and hollows. Restore a youthful facial appearance using dermal fillers or facial fat grafting.
Fillers or fat? Which treatment is better for you?
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are a quick, non-surgical solution to facial volume loss caused by aging. Injecting fillers are under the skin adds volume and fullness. Dermal fillers can fill in wrinkles, contour the cheeks, and smooth facial hollows.
STC Plastic Surgery offers a wide range of fillers, including popular hyaluronic acid-based products and Bellafill, one of the longest-lasting options that offers results for up to five years. For a full-face rejuvenation, you may want to combine dermal fillers with BOTOX®.
What Is Fat Grafting?
Fat grafting uses your body fat to restore facial volume. Dr. Machida removes fat from an area where you have excess, such as your buttocks or thighs. Then, he transfers this “donor” fat into your face using a specialized process. This relocated fat integrates into the existing tissue, providing long-term volume.
At STC Plastic Surgery, Dr. Machida uses BeautiFILL for fat transfer. This advanced system uses laser energy to liquefy fat cells before extraction and has a sealed vacuum to remove and filter fat to ensure it does not get exposed to air or contaminants. The BeautiFILL system for fat transfer minimizes fat loss and creates a longer-lasting, more consistent result.
Fat vs. Fillers: Which Treatment Option Is Better?
Fillers and fat can create beautiful and long-lasting aesthetic results. The right treatment for you is a matter of preference. Dr. Machida can help you to weigh the benefit of each option to determine if you’ll be happiest with fillers or fat.
Here are some points to consider as you decide between dermal fillers and fat grafting.
- Fat grafting lasts longer than dermal fillers, and can even provide permanent results in some patients. In contrast, filler results are temporary, typically needing touch-ups every six to 12 months.
- Fillers are a quick, nearly painless non-surgical procedure that fits into even the busiest lifestyles. Patients can enjoy fuller cheeks and fewer wrinkles without downtime.
- After a filler treatment, results are immediately visible. With fat grafting, it can take longer to enjoy the outcome, as your body needs time to integrate the grafted fat into its new location.
- If you don’t love your results, fillers are easy to remove. A simple injection can dissolve hyaluronic acid fillers.
- Fat grafting results can change as you lose or gain weight. The transferred fat cells will shrink and grow, just like other fat cells in the body.
Both choices bring unique advantages. When you work with a skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Machida, we’re certain you’ll love your results, whichever option you choose.
Restore a Youthful Facial Appearance at STC Plastic Surgery
Whether you choose fillers or fat, count on the experts at STC Plastic Surgery to provide a refreshed, renewed look. Dr. Machida works closely with each patient to explore the many facial rejuvenation solutions, including dermal fillers, fat grafting, and surgical options like a facelift.
If you are ready to look younger, healthier, and rejuvenated, contact STC Plastic Surgery by calling (909) 476-2600.